Zelensky's remarks on transfer of North Korean POWs to South Korea spark diplomatic row with Seoul

A diplomatic dispute has broken out between Ukraine and South Korea after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly spoke about the fate of two North Korean soldiers. The soldiers had fought on Russia's side against Ukraine, were captured, and were later handed over by Kyiv to South Korea.

Seoul reacted sharply to Zelensky's public remarks, saying they exposed a confidential process that was not meant to be disclosed publicly. South Korea is now demanding a formal apology from Ukraine over the leak of this information.

Background

North Korea has for some time been providing military support to Russia in its war against Ukraine, including sending its own soldiers to fight on the Russian side. Some of these soldiers have been captured by Ukrainian forces during the fighting. The transfer of two such prisoners to South Korea was linked to Seoul's interest in citizens of its northern neighbor, but the process was apparently meant to remain discreet rather than be announced publicly.

The dispute highlights the sensitive diplomatic balance required when handling matters tied to North Korea's involvement in Russia's war — such issues are especially delicate for South Korea given its historical and political tensions with Pyongyang. It is not currently publicly known whether Ukraine has responded, or plans to respond, to Seoul's demand.